Personal Grooming and Hygiene
What this domain tests
Personal Grooming and Hygiene tests daily grooming routines, hand hygiene, uniform standards, oral and body care, and professional presentation. The exam expects you to link personal hygiene to infection control and client trust.
Core rules and concepts
- Bathe daily and use clean, fresh clothing. Uniforms must be clean and changed when soiled.
- Hand hygiene is the most important routine: wash with soap and water before and after every client, after toilet use, after eating and after handling waste.
- Keep nails short and clean; avoid chipped polish in service roles. Tie back long hair.
- Oral care: brush twice daily, clean the tongue, and manage bad breath; avoid strong garlic or alcohol before client contact.
- Use deodorant, but avoid overpowering perfume because clients may be sensitive.
- Keep feet clean and dry; wear clean socks and closed professional shoes.
- Cover cuts with a waterproof dressing and report skin infections.
Worked example
A stylist has a small cut on the finger and a client arrives. Reason it out: cover the cut with a waterproof dressing, wash hands before and after, and wear gloves if the service involves blood or body fluids. If the dressing cannot stay clean, do not perform the service. Do not work with an uncovered cut.
Traps that cost marks
Do not rely on hand sanitiser when hands are visibly soiled. Do not wear jewellery that traps dirt. Do not share razors or nail tools. Do not skip handwashing because gloves are worn. Do not use strong fragrance to hide poor hygiene.